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Western Cape exports of cherries show tremendous potential

Once a very small crop in the Western Cape, cherries have more than quadrupled their export market share over the last four years, and continue to show excellent potential as an alternative crop.

The Western Cape Government has to date invested R6.916 million in the development of alternative crops such as berries, cherries, fynbos, pomegranates, and honeybush.

These are smaller, export-oriented crops with high market-value, and greater potential for job creation.

Cherries use about half of the water required per hectare to irrigate than apples, and are a labour intensive crop.

The export value of cherries from South Africa has increased exponentially over the past few years. Total exports of the fruit in 2012 were valued at R2.6 million, and reached R28.18 million in 2016. South Africa’s export market share, while still small, has quadrupled from 0.019% in 2012 to 0.080% in 2016.

Global demand for cherries has also increased exponentially over the same period.

The primary market for locally produced cherries is the United Kingdom, with Hong Kong, the Netherlands and Malaysia forming the remainder of the top four export markets.

Similar growth trends are being seen in fresh berry exports, which grew in value from R1.5 million in 2004, to R80.1 million in 2013.

Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, said: “As we continue to be faced with the reality of climate change, it’s important that our agricultural industry adapts and diversifies. These kinds of alternative crops allow farmers to diversify their offerings, and present new and untapped export markets for the province.”

“The research fund specifically supports crops that have the potential to create jobs, are economically viable, more sustainable and which will lead to increased exports. Cherries are also a lower water use crop, which is important in our current and future context,” he said.

“Hong Kong and the United Kingdom are both in the top ten importers of cherries worldwide, so having a foot in the door in these important markets means that there is potential for growth,” Minister Winde said.